Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic French-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and baked or fried to golden perfection. The air fryer revolutionizes this beloved recipe by providing a crisp, golden crust without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier yet equally indulgent version.
This dish is special because it combines contrasting textures and flavors: juicy chicken, smoky ham, creamy melted cheese, and a crunchy, seasoned crust. Traditionally pan-fried or baked, air frying significantly reduces oil usage while maintaining maximum crispiness. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham (preferably deli-style or Black Forest ham)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (Gruyère or provolone also work well)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds extra flavor)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a crispier coating)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil spray (for air frying)
For the Sauce (Optional but Recommended!)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Butterfly the chicken breasts: Place a chicken breast on a cutting board, then use a sharp knife to carefully slice horizontally through the middle, stopping just before cutting all the way through. Open it like a book.
- Pound to even thickness: Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it to about ¼ inch thickness. This helps it cook evenly.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for extra flavor.
Step 2: Stuff the Chicken
- Layer the fillings: Place two slices of ham and one to two slices of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Leave a small border around the edges.
- Roll it up: Starting from one end, tightly roll up the chicken breast, securing the ham and cheese inside.
- Seal with toothpicks: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the chicken from unrolling during cooking.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Set up the breading station:
- In one shallow bowl, add the flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk the egg with Dijon mustard.
- In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the chicken:
- Dredge the rolled chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Place the breaded chicken in the basket, seam side down. Do not overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.
- Lightly spray the top of the chicken with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and slicing.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce (Optional but Delicious!)
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir in shredded Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Serve warm over the sliced chicken.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
✅ Use thin chicken breasts—if they’re too thick, they may not cook evenly.
✅ Freeze for 15 minutes before air frying to help hold its shape.
✅ Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
✅ Check internal temperature—the thickest part should be 165°F (75°C).
✅ For a healthier option, use whole wheat panko and reduce cheese.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze raw, breaded chicken rolls before cooking. When ready, cook from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-22 minutes.
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
Variations & Customizations
🌱 Low-Carb Option: Swap panko for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
🧀 Different Cheese Choices: Try cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a twist.
🥓 Bacon-Wrapped Version: Wrap the chicken in bacon before air frying for extra smokiness.
🔥 Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumbs for heat.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Without Sauce)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~48g
- Carbs: ~15g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~720mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bake this instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What should I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.
Why is my chicken not crispy?
Make sure to spray it with oil and preheat the air fryer for the best crispiness. Also, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious, crispy, and healthier take on the classic dish. With a juicy, cheesy center and a golden-brown crust, it’s perfect for an easy gourmet meal. Try it tonight and enjoy restaurant-quality flavor at home! 🍗🧀✨